on praising your children:

These thoughts by Joanna struck a chord with us this week. She mentions encouraging our children by saying "I love watching you run/climb/play/read" rather than praising (you're such a good runner/climber/player/reader), coaching or criticism. The "I love to watch you.." phrase encourages confidence and helping our children just enjoy their activities rather than feeling pressure to "be good" at them (and maybe unintentionally feel critiqued). Isn't that a great thought and change of focus? [A cup of Jo]